Jack and I went back out on David's boat so Jack could have some time with bigger wake. He was very aggressively going for wake to wake jumps and landed one cleanly (video) followed by another attempt where he landed it then tipped his board down on the downward outside slope of the wake and caught the edge which sent his body over the top for a semi-face plant. That was the end of the day for us. Jack is alright.
There are some new videos and pictures from Labor Day weekend. We got out Saturday evening a bit, then Jack had his first taste of calm/glass water on Sunday morning early (no video). We went out again Sunday late morning with Darby and Brent (and Mia). Some good runs and video taken. Mia was the star at the end of the day riding with Brent on the tube to wrap it up.
Jack and I went back out on David's boat so Jack could have some time with bigger wake. He was very aggressively going for wake to wake jumps and landed one cleanly (video) followed by another attempt where he landed it then tipped his board down on the downward outside slope of the wake and caught the edge which sent his body over the top for a semi-face plant. That was the end of the day for us. Jack is alright.
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I've got Darby and Brent lined up for Sunday on the water, should be fun. Not sure what they will ride, perhaps some skis, perhaps some foil, we'll see.
Last weekend's riding was not great. Jack rode the wakeboard a bit but the wind was blowing a little bit and boat traffic was up for some reason. He didn't really have a good time, was worried about the chop. I rode the foil some, struggled with jumps. Its been the story of the summer I guess. This week, via email, I've secured some lessons from a foiler in Arizona on Lake Havasu. He goes by the handle of Big Jay on foilforum.com . Jay (real name Justin) helped me a lot a year ago when I was struggling to get up and ride consistently. So I went back to him, pleaded with him to watch a short video of bad jumps I made and offer feedback. I plan on using some of his feedback and advice this weekend. Time to put up... Jack and I rode today with neighbor Dave. Good stuff as always, video and pictures sometime in next day or two.
I took a fall to the face, broke my sunglasses. Good pair, had them for over a year :) Jack and I stayed over night at the lake after a little 5 Guys (really 4 guys and one girl) with the family and then we all went to see Harry Potter #77777777777. Decent enough movie, not as clumsy or dark as some of the others. Jack and I hit the water in the morning, Jack got some nice clean water for a change. No video as the camera man was driving. Jack got his first 180 jump...but, no video, never happened! A few nice face plants as well. Kid is trying new things pretty aggressively, gotta give him props.
After lunch we went back out and Neighbor Dave joined us. Jack got his 180 jump on video (see Bluemedia page or latest video - soundtrack was removed by youtube BBBBOOOOO). I continued my quest for good jumps. First few I had made mental notes about trying some things differently to increase the air. After a few, all my previous (bad) habits snuck back in. Video of some of the better attempts (better jumps or better carnage). In the afternoon, the water was angry as you will see in much of the videos, lots of boats and a pretty high wind for a 90+ August day. videos and pics Hit the water both days this past weekend, lots of good sunshine. Jack continues to progress nicely in wakeboarding. He is getting sharper with his cuts on the driver's side (both out and in) and going out on the off-side. He still hesitates coming back to the wake from the off-side, not ready to commit to that toe lean against the boat with your back completely turned. His jumps are starting to take life and he even completed three surface 180s this weekend. Video and pictures are up on the Bluemedia page.When I go out on the boat on weekends, I generally take my two sons with me and the rest of the family stays at home or has things to do.
My oldest son, Jack, as I often write, has tried skiing and now wakeboarding and enjoys it immensely. My younger son, Sam, is autistic. He is reasonably high functioning and we don't limit much with him but he usually just sits in the boat, partakes in some discussion when asked questions but generally keeps to himself the whole time. It wouldn't always be his choice to go on the boat but it is ritual now. Sunday, for some reason, Jack and I were talking smack to Sam about how it was time he try kneeboarding (figured it would be the easiest discipline to get him riding). His responses were not overtly negative so I continued to state it matter of factly that he would be doing it after jack's first run on the wakeboard. He was visibly nervous and some of his autism ticks were in high gear. So when Jack finished up we dropped a kneeboard into the water and got Sam in as well. After explaining how to ride on his stomach at first and how he would get up on his knees we gave it a try. Just in idle mind you, he let out a shriek like bloody murder was happening. So we decided that I would get in the water and steady the kneeboard and get dragged behind until I was convinced he could stay up on his own and then let him go. This would let him start on his knees and not have to transition from laying flat up to being on his knees. Took a couple of tries to get him to understand to lean against the rope/boat to stay up but he got it. They took a couple laps around this small area of the lake we were in (no boat traffic) and after one lap Sam was ready to join me in the water where he left me but I told the driver to keep going one more lap. He did it and we all praised him wildly. Not sure we'll get him to do it again anytime soon but it was something fun to see. Very proud moment for us. There is a short excerpt video on the Bluemedia page of Sam taking his first ride on a kneeboard. Seems like forever since hitting the water, hope to go out Saturday if the thunderstorms hold off.
Video from yesterday up, jumps actually starting to look smooth, still a ways to go but getting better all the time...
Lots of video to wade through, will get some up in next day or so. Continue to improve (slowly) my jumping abilities. Had one real nice jump, landed some messy ones and had some crashes too. Jack had his second day on a wakeboard, Neighbor Dave (foil) and his two teenage sons (wakeboards) were with us as was Dave's Sister (slalom). Here ar
Got out on the water today in misty overcast conditions. By the time we were done the sun was out.
Neighbor Dave brought his son Austin out, Austin rode a wakeboard. I think it was his first time out on the water this season. Dave did some skidders and jumps on the foil. I rode and focused on jumps, landed a few more, last one I landed was probably the highest I've jumped out of the water. Video on the multimedia tab as well as some pictures. New camera took both, entered the HD video age. |
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AuthorMy name is Steve. On the web I've long gone by the name of Blmeanie. Enjoying time on the lake with friends and family is one great way to relax. Enjoy the blog, pictures and videos. Picture above...isn't me :) Archives
September 2011
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